The bill amends sections 4-1-2 and 4-1-9 of the General Laws in Chapter 4-1, which pertains to "Cruelty to Animals." Notably, the maximum imprisonment for animal cruelty under section 4-1-2 is increased from eleven months to twelve months. Additionally, for individuals convicted of a second or subsequent offense within a ten-year period, the penalties include imprisonment for up to six years and mandatory community restitution of one hundred hours. The definition of "shelter" is also clarified to mean a structure that provides adequate protection from inclement weather for the health and well-being of the animal.

In section 4-1-9, which addresses animal fighting, the bill raises the maximum imprisonment for subsequent offenses from two years to five years. It introduces mandatory community service requirements, stipulating that individuals convicted of a first offense must complete twenty hours of community service, while those with subsequent offenses must complete fifty hours. The community service penalties are mandatory and cannot be suspended or deferred. This act will take effect upon passage.